Comparison of the effectiveness of sip-feeding and computerized electroacupuncture in the comprehensive treatment of patients with exacerbation of allergic asthma

Aim. To compare the effectiveness of sip-feeding (SF) and computerized electroacupuncture (CEA) in the comprehensive treatment of patients with exacerbation of asthma with a predominance of allergic components. Materials and methods. The study involved 60 patients with asthma exacerbation. The distribution of patients by disease severity: mild asthma – 9 patients, moderate asthma – 26 patients, severe asthma – 25 patients. In all cases, exacerbations were mild or moderate. Patients were divided into groups 1, 2, and 3 (20 patients each). All patients received standard drug treatment for asthma exacerbation. Patients of group 1 additionally received SF, consisting of five intakes of 200 ml of nutritional formula "Ensure 2" (Abbott, USA); patients of group 2 additionally received a course of CEA; patients ofgroup 3 received only standard drug therapy. The study design included two control points (CP): CP No. 1 – baseline, CP No. 2 – at the end of the SF course in group 1, after completion of the CEA course in group 2, and after 5 days in group 3. Spirometry was performed at all CPs. Results. The values of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in patients who underwent a CEA course were significantly higher compared to patients in group 3. In group 1, after five SF procedures, higher increases in FEV1 and FVC were registered compared to group 3. Data analysis showed that patients with high total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels had a more pronounced improvement in bronchial patency after SF. After the SF course in group 1, among patients with baseline IgE ≤ 500 IU/L, the FEV1 increase was 5 (3; 6.5) %, whereas in patients with IgE > 500 IU/L, it was 11 (8; 14) %. Conclusion. The use of CEA in patients with asthma exacerbation and a pre-dominant allergic component provides additional improvement in bronchial patency. The inclusion of SF in comprehensive therapy is associated with the greatest improvement in FEV1 in patients with baseline total IgE levels above 500 IU/L compared to other patients.